Memorial prayer service held for Leiby Kletzky

By
Jen Maxfield
and Web produced by Jennifer Matarese, Eyewitness News

NEW YORK --

A special prayer service by orthodox cantors in memory of Leiby Kletzky was held Wednesday night in Brooklyn.

Hundreds of people came to the Congregation Anshe Sfard for a memorial service Wednesday night.

Leiby's father was also in attendance.

Hundreds of mourners gathered to remember Leiby Kletzky in a prayer service led by six cantors singing traditional Jewish prayers.

"There's nothing we could say that would affect the family as much as singing so we hope to inspire them," said Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky, from Park East Synagogue.

Leiby's father, Nachman Kletzky, joined with members of the community as the traditional eight-day mourning period of Shiva came to an end.

"We're hoping for them to be uplifted or comforted if that's at all possible," Cantor Charlie Bernhaut said.

The Kletzky family has started a website in Leiby's honor.

Photos of Leiby as a baby, a toddler, and a little boy are on the homepage and the family says it will read every comment, like this one posted by Ann: "Please find some comfort knowing friends, family and people worldwide are praying for you all and for your Leiby and sharing in your grief."

The family is also hoping to raise one million dollars to help children and families in need.

Leiby's father wrote on the website, "Your generous contribution to the Leiby Kletzky Memorial Fund will accomplish all the wonderful things that Leiby would have achieved, had he lived."

Condolences can also be written to the Kletzky family online. The family will read all comments.

In the aftermath of the murder, New York City Council will introduce legislation known as "Leiby's Law." It's designed to help lost children find a safer way to ask for help. The proposed Leiby's Law would establish pre-screened businesses as safe havens for children in need of help across the city. Parents in the Orthodox Jewish community in Borough Park are also considering getting state-issued ID cards for their children.